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Patanjali is
describing basic details about Pranayama. We all know that the process of
breathing consists of inhalation, exhalation and some amount of retention after
every inhalation (retention inside) and after every exhalation (retention
outside). These are the three processes involved generally in Pranayama.

Inhalation can be
deep and long. Inhalation can also be short and subtle.

Likewise,
exhalation can be deep and long. It can also be short and subtle.

Retention inside,
after every inhalation, can be for a longer period or for a shorter period.

Retention outside,
after every exhalation, can be for a longer period, or for a shorter period.

The word Desha
refers to various Body parts or internal organs. One can focus once attention
on a particular body part (Internal organ) while doing the Pranayama – which in
turn, benefits that part. It is here that we have to understand that we are
concentrating not on the air we breathe as such – but more on the Praanic
Energy that goes inside us during
inhalation and retention; and goes outside during exhalation and retention
outside.

There are different
breathing patterns for activating the praanic energy in different organs. For
example, we can breathe in for a count of 8, then retain for a count of 4, then
breathe out for a count of 16 and then retain outside for a count of 4. While
doing this, we need to keep the attention on the particular internal organ to
which this count relates. Likewise, there can be other counts like
16,4,8,4; 4,8,16,4 and so on. But, this
needs to be learnt under a well trained master.

Thus desha refers
to the internal organs of the body and kaala refers to this timing of each
aspect of breathing. While, we always associate with this breathing which
happens between nostrils and lungs only – our attention must be on the praanic
energy which moving all over the body – and also outside the body.

Pranayama can be
fast or subtle and long or short.

Different types of
Pranayama practices exist for different purposes.

After, Aasana –
Pranayama is a very useful practice, before we go to the next higher step.

It stabilizes the
breathing, in both nostrils, to an even flow of energy to all body parts – and
keeps them at restful awareness.

It also makes the
entire body healthy and calm. The health aspects of Pranayama are extensive.

One guiding
principle in Pranayama is – “NEVER
OVERDO” any aasana or any pranayama – beyond your limits. This means – you
must Know your limits. Do not do any practice till it pains or hurts. This is a
very important principle one must always keep in mind.

When Patnajali said
“sthira sukham” for aasanam, it applies equally to Pranayama. Do it comfortably
and with stability; Do it in such a way, that you enjoy it and do not suffer it.
This is especially so – when after
pranayama, you want to perform Pratyahara and Dharana, which are the next steps. Patanjali is specific
that aasana should precede pranayama.

Thus, inhalation,
exhalation and retention are considered three essential parts of the pranayama.

There are other
extensive details about the benefits of Pranayama – dealt with in Hatha Yoga.

The prana energy
essentially travels in what are known as nadis. There are thousands of them but
three main nadis travelling from the nostrils downwards upto moolaadhara Chakra
are important. These are called the left Ida nadi; the right pingala nadi and
the central sushumna nadi. The three main nadis meet at mooladhara. Pranayama stabilizes
the flow of prana through all the nadis in the body. The purposes of the three
main nadis are different and the sushumna is a special one, which is normally
not active, but, once it becomes active, is known to confer huge benefits on
the Yogi. All further details on this are outside the context here.

Every sadhaka can
however experience the pleasant calmness that pervades his body and mind after
a regular pranayama practice. This is all that is needed for the sadhaka to
continue his Yoga Sadhana further.

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1.I have Authored and published a 736 Page, A4 size Book , 'Comprehensive Treatise on Patanjali Yoga Sutras in April2016. It has received Great Blessings and immense appreciation from Swamijis of several Ramakrishna Missions and many others. I have sent my book copies to many Vice chancellors, their university Libraries, and all Big Libraries in India.2. I have conducted hundreds of workshops on personality development and Life skills at The National Academy of Telecom Finance & Management, Hyderabad, and at several places in India .I have trained several thousands of people in various Life skills.Conducted such workshops even after retiring on 31.12.2009.3. I Practice Yoga daily - with Asanas, Pranayamas and Meditation.4. I prefer to experiment on all aspects of Yoga and HR skills in my own Life and make them part of my life. 5. How to BENEFIT the whole Humanity through my knowledge and skills - is my primary concern.6. I have done Masters in Economics & I am certified by National Stock Exchange of India as (i) NSE certified Investment professional Level 5 (ii) NSE Certified Investment Analyst Pro and (iii) NSE Certified Investment Analyst Champion.